On this episode of the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast, we take a look at the fight for industrial hemp's future — from grassroots advocacy to global certification and the ongoing struggles farmers face in the banking system.

Act 1: Virginia Hemp Month – Reclaiming the Word "Hemp"

Joe Domino and Scott McStacy of the Virginia Hemp Coalition join the show to talk about their efforts to officially recognize June as Virginia Hemp Month. With events ranging from hempcrete building workshops and beekeeping demonstrations to film screenings and brewery gatherings, Virginia is building momentum to reclaim the word hemp for fiber, grain, and industrial uses — and to separate it from cannabinoids and cannabis.

Learn more:

Virginia Hemp Month

virginiahempmonth.com

Virginia Hemp Coalition

https://www.vahemp.org/

Act 2: Responsible Hemp Standard – Certification for Fiber Hemp

Eric Singular returns to introduce the Responsible Hemp Standard (RHS) — the first global certification system for the industrial hemp fiber supply chain. RHS brings traceability, transparency, and verified responsible practices to every stage of hemp fiber production, from cultivation to cottonization. This certification gives brands and textile mills the confidence to source truly sustainable hemp fiber for apparel, textiles, and home goods.

Learn more:

Responsible Hemp Standard

responsiblehempstandard.com

Act 3: Banking Headaches on Brush Mountain

In our final segment, we head back to Brush Mountain in Centre County, PA, where bison farmer and hemp grower Herb Grove tells how his local bank abruptly canceled his accounts — simply because he held a legal hemp farming permit. His story is a stark reminder of the outdated financial roadblocks still facing hemp farmers nationwide.

Thanks to our Sponsors!

• IND Hemp — indhemp.com

• King's AgriSeeds — kingsagriseeds.com

• Forever Green / KP4 Hemp Cutter — hempcutter.com

Don't forget the Global Industrial Hemp Fiber Summit in Raleigh, NC — hosted by NC State and NIHC this July